Uses

What is Herpevir® (acyclovir) used for?

Herpevir® is commonly used for treatment infections caused by herpes viruses, such as genital herpes, cold sores, shingles, and chicken pox. Acyclovir will not treat a viral infection such as the flu or a common cold.

Acyclovir may also be used for purposes, ask your doctor for more information.

How should I take Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Drink plenty of water while you are taking acyclovir to keep your kidneys working properly.

Use this medicine for the full prescribed length of time. Your symptoms may improve before the infection is completely treated.

How do I store Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Herpevir® is best stored at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store Herpevir® in the bathroom or the freezer. There may be different brands of Herpevir® that may have different storage needs. It is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.

You should not flush Herpevir® down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. It is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before using Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Before using this drug, tell your doctor if:

You are allergic to acyclovir.

You are allergic to milk proteins.

Treatment with acyclovir should be started as soon as possible after the first appearance of symptoms (such as tingling, burning, blisters).

Lesions caused by herpes viruses should be kept as clean and dry as possible. Wearing loose clothing may help to prevent irritation of the lesions.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Acyclovir doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers), and any changes may affect the dose.

Herpes can be passed to your baby during childbirth if you have a genital lesion when your baby is born. If you have genital herpes, it is very important to prevent herpes lesions during pregnancy. Take your medicine as directed to best control your infection.

Herpes infections are contagious and you can infect other people, even while you are being treated. Avoid letting infected areas come into contact with other people. Avoid touching an infected area and then touching your eyes. Wash your hands frequently to prevent passing the infection to others.

Taking this medicine will not prevent you from passing genital herpes to your sexual partner. Avoid sexual intercourse while you have active lesions or the first symptoms of an outbreak. Genital herpes may still be contagious through “viral shedding” from your skin, even if you have no symptoms.

Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate studies in women for determining risk when using Herpevir® during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking Herpevir®. Herpevir® is pregnancy risk category B, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FDA pregnancy risk category reference below:

A=No risk

B=No risk in some studies

C=There may be some risk

D=Positive evidence of risk

X=Contraindicated

N=Unknown

Acyclovir passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Side effectsMouth pain

What side effects can occur from Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to acyclovir such as hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Easy bruising or bleeding

Purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin

Signs of a kidney problem such as little or no urinating, painful or difficult urination

Swelling in your feet or ankles

Feeling tired or short of breath

Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about a side-effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions

What drugs may interact with Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Herpevir® may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects. To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. For your safety, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any drugs without your doctor’s approval.

Does food or alcohol interact with Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Herpevir® may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.

What health conditions may interact with Herpevir® (acyclovir)?

Herpevir® may interact with your health condition. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. It is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.

To make sure acyclovir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

Kidney disease

A weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine)

Dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. You should ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using Herpevir® (acyclovir).

What is the dose of Herpevir® (acyclovir) for an adult?

Genital herpes

Initial treatment is 200 mg orally q4hr while awake (5 times daily) for 10 days or 400 mg orally q8hr for 7-10 days.

Intermittent treatment for recurrence is 200 mg orally q4hr while awake (5 times daily) for 5 days; initiate at earliest sign or symptom of recurrence.

Chronic suppression for recurrence is 400 mg orally q12hr for up to 12 months; alternatively, 200 mg 3-5 times daily.

Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis

The recommended dose is 10-15 mg/kg IV q8hr for 10 days; up to 14-21 days reported.

In obese patients, use IBW.

Mucocutaneous Herpes Simplex Virus Infection

Treatment in immunocompromised patients

IV: The recommended dose is 5 mg/kg q8hr for 7 days; dosing up to 14 days reported.